By Opeyemi Adelakun
Peter Obi has dismissed claims that he rejected an offer to become Atiku Abubakar’s vice-presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election, insisting that no such proposal was ever made to him.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) spoke during an Arise TV interview amid renewed discussions over whether opposition parties could unite behind a common candidate.
Obi said the conversation should not be framed around whether he or Atiku would take the top position, arguing that any agreement would have to involve the political parties and their structures.
“I’m a candidate, yes. So, my leader, Atiku, is a candidate of another party. I am a candidate for another party. So, you are talking about two parties coming together; it is no longer him or me,” he said.
The former Anambra governor was specifically asked about reports that he had previously rejected the possibility of serving as a vice-presidential candidate.
He responded: “I don’t know where that was said. I wasn’t even in a position where that was being offered, and I refused.”
Obi further explained that an alliance involving the various opposition parties could not be determined through a private understanding between individual leaders.
“All those parties have candidates. So, it is a discussion. It is no longer me, as Peter is talking. It is like a situation where two corporations are trying to come together. It is no longer something the two CEOs go to a drink and say we are going to work together. They need to look at how to bring these two corporations together,” he said.
The issue has gained attention as opposition groups continue efforts to develop a common strategy ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Recent opposition consultations have included several parties, although Obi and Atiku have maintained separate presidential ambitions.
Obi and Atiku have a history of working together politically. Obi was Atiku’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election, but both contested the 2023 election separately, with Obi representing the Labour Party and Atiku the Peoples Democratic Party.
They later became part of the opposition coalition formed under the ADC in 2025 before the arrangement broke down, leading to Obi’s emergence as the NDC presidential candidate and Atiku’s candidacy under the ADC.
Obi, however, said the possibility of cooperation had not been completely ruled out.
“I want to be part of any coalition that will make Nigeria work. That will make Nigeria productive. That will create jobs for the young ones. That will pull people out of poverty. That will make education work,” he said.
He added that any alliance he supports must prioritise national unity, the rule of law, order, accountable leadership, education, healthcare and job creation.
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